Laurence M. Chadwick

Dec. 21, 1938 - Jan. 14, 2013

Laurence Michael Chadwick also known as "Larry," "Chad" and "Mike," a resident of Homer, passed away on Jan. 14, 2013, at the age of 74. A celebration of his life will take place this spring with the time and place to be announced.He was born on Dec. 21, 1938, in Kent, Wash. He migrated to Anchorage in 1964 after receiving an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army and found his way to Homer in the 1980s. He was a true Renaissance man and worked in many professions in life: as a Boeing aircraft riveter, as a truck driver, a dragster mechanic, a Northwest Airlines agent, and a farmer with his own livestock, alfalfa field and his self-designed irrigation system. He was an entrepreneur and opened Round the World Travel in 1984 to help people with his love of travel. He also founded the DHL expediting franchise in Homer. After retiring from the agency, he occasionally commercially fished salmon and halibut, and even enjoyed a paperboy route for theAnchorage Daily News.He is remembered by his friends for his sharp dry wit, as represented by his "Roast Me Toast Me" proclamation to his friend of more than 50 years, Rick Oldham. His joie de vivre, fun-loving laughter and sense of humor contributed to his miraculous ability to "cheat death" and come back after his many surgeries, hospitalizations, cancer treatments and near-death experiences, such as being hit by a train. He was open minded, never judged people and loved kids. He lived life to the fullest, always ready for adventure, always there for the ones he loved. He lent a helping hand to so many people over the years. He did not dwell on drama. He was a cool dude with a mellow mood, from race cars to jazz bars. Traveling the world with his family and making new friends was only a small part of his life. He also enjoyed boating, fishing, stained glass art projects and, most of all, jazz music.He is survived by his best friend and wife of 26 years, Karen Strid-Chadwick, of Homer, and daughters Joni Angulo of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Rebecca (Mekebib) Gezahegn of Ferndale, Mich., and Amber Chadwick of Canton, Mich."We know he is in a warm place playing backgammon with his dear friend and buddy Irwin Ravin," his family said.Please contribute to a charity of your choice, if so desired. Arrangements were by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.